A Los Angeles car accident involving a Los Angeles Sheriff's patrol car, left three people injured. The accident occurred the night of November 26, 2009 when a squad car with two sheriff's deputies crashed into a minivan whose driver was turning at the intersection of Central Avenue and 84th Street in South Los Angeles. CBS News reports that the minivan went crashing to an apartment complex after it was hit by the police cruiser. The impact from the crash caused the patrol car to hit another vehicle. An unidentified man has been hospitalized with serious injuries. The deputies also sustained injuries, but are listed in stable condition.

My heart goes out to the driver of the minivan, who was apparently the most seriously injured victim of this car accident. I wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery. Please keep this injured victim and his family in your prayers.

Car Accidents in Los Angeles

According to the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 260 deaths and 27,110 injuries reported in Los Angeles as a result of car accidents in 2007. Countywide, car accidents claimed 712 deaths and caused 56,475 injuries during the same year.

Based on this news report, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies involved in this car accident were responding to a call at the time of the crash. However, it is not clear whether the patrol car had its lights and sirens on or whether the police car was traveling down this South Los Angeles intersection at a high rate of speed. There is also the question of who had the right-of-way at the intersection.

Car Accident Liability Issues

If the investigation determines that the police officers were operating in a negligent or reckless manner or against department policy, then the officers and their employer – the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department – could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. According to California Government Code, any claim against a governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of an accident or injury.

Victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to consult a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will follow up with the official investigation and make sure that it is conducted in a fair and objective manner and that the victims' legal rights and best interests are protected.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.